Our private clients are looking for a good all rounder to assist the full time Gardener and Pet Handler - an individual with handyman and gardening skills, along with a love of animals, who is also happy to travel with the family to their other properties abroad (on occasions).
The role is working within a VIP private household based in Kensington, and requires working collaboratively with the wider household team, providing cover for colleagues’ days off, undertaking all duties reasonably assigned by the Employee.
The household includes five dogs, one cat, three rabbits and a tortoise, all of whom require attentive, knowledgeable care. The property is a large Grade II listed family residence, requiring a high‑level of maintenance, immaculate presentation, and a proactive approach to facilities management.
We seek an organised, self‑motivated individual with canine knowledge, excellent standards, and a willingness to go above and beyond.
Core Duties and Responsibilities
Pet Care (2 days per week – covering the full‑time Pet Nanny)
Provide attentive daily care to all household pets, ensuring comfort, safety, and wellbeing.
Manage feeding routines, medication administration, and ordering of food, treats, and supplies.
Conduct multiple daily dog walks tailored to each dog’s individual needs.
Maintain cleanliness of all pet areas, litter trays, enclosures, and outdoor spaces throughout the day.
Carry out light housekeeping duties in pet‑related and back‑of‑house areas
Garden Maintenance
Assist with Seasonal planting and upkeep of all garden areas.
Ensure front and rear gardens remain immaculate at all times.
Hedge trimming, dead‑heading, pruning, and general plant care.
Leaf blowing, jet washing, and external surface cleaning.
Management of rubbish and bin areas.
Cleaning of iron fencing, perimeter walls, and external architectural features.
Clearing gullies, drains, and ensuring all external water flow systems remain unobstructed.
Facilities Management & Internal Maintenance
Undertake general handyman and FM duties across the property.
Monitor and assist external PPM contractors as required.
Respond promptly to reactive maintenance issues.
Maintain stock control of garden, FM, and consumable items.
Painting and decorating, particularly during family absences.
Basic carpentry tasks.
Basic electrical tasks including light‑bulb replacement.
Roof drain clearing and general external upkeep.
Provide support to House Management with any ad hoc operational tasks.
Household Support & Events Assistance
Assist with children’s events, activities, and entertainment setups (e.g., building toys, assembling equipment).
Support the wider house team with maintenance‑related issues.
Assist with high‑level cleaning tasks when required.
Provide additional pet‑care support outside core cover days when needed.
Plant Rooms & Storage
Maintain organisation and cleanliness of three plant rooms and the garage.
Manage inventory and organisation of off‑site storage areas.
Maintain a complete lightbulb inventory.
Conduct occasional maintenance checks at other London or overseas properties (rare and pre‑arranged).
Errands & Driving
Working Pattern, Holidays & Overtime
Standard schedule: 5 days on / 2 days off, covering a 7‑day household rota.
Usual working hours: 07:30 – 17:00, with flexibility required to meet household needs.
Holiday entitlement: 20 days annual leave, plus English Bank and Public Holidays.
Holiday year: 1 January – 31 December.
Required Skills, Attributes & Eligibility
Flexible, adaptable, and comfortable working within a dynamic household environment.
Must hold a UK or EU passport due to occasional travel requirements.
Fluent spoken English and good written English.
Immaculate personal presentation
Key Personal qualities
Attentive, patient, proactive, discreet, trustworthy, self‑assured
Knowledge of canine care and training desirable
Salary & Benefits
Salary: £40,000 gross per annum.
Enrolment into the workplace pension scheme.
Discretionary annual bonus may be awarded by the Company.
Start ASAP. Must have DBS clearance, right to work in UK and recent and checkable references.
Email your interest to cv@ljwrecruitment.com
